I Became the Master of the Devil

I had packed Claude’s letters and the royal princess’s homework.

 

I never thought I’d use it like this. The travel bag I had prepared for the resort destination was now being used for escape. Well, thanks to that, I looked like I was going on a short business trip or vacation to anyone who saw me.

 

“This should be enough.”

 

My belongings were always minimal, knowing that as long as I had money and my life, I could survive anywhere.

 

“And then…”

 

Lastly, I took one more look around Siani’s room. Nothing had changed from the first time I woke up here to now as I prepared to leave. Most of the things belonged to Siani, and I hadn’t left any trace of myself. This was also a habit developed through countless possessions.

 

“I’ll leave this here.”

 

But I removed the ring in my hand, the bond between Redian and me, and placed it in the drawer. I had been focused on Norma until now, so it was time to learn about myself. Pronaea, once the land of those who stayed by the goddess’s side, might hold some answers.

 

First, I’ll spend about a week lazing around in a top-class hotel, sleeping in and lounging all day.

 

Imagining the sweet future I could shape right before escaping was always my favorite moment, yet I had no plans beyond resting well.

 

Redian.

 

It was because he always lingered at the end of all my thoughts. I thought I’d feel completely free at the thought of escaping, like my previous possessions…

 

It’s refreshing but also regrettable, fun yet unsettling.

 

It wasn’t so burdensome that it weighed down my steps, but it was like a sore on my tongue that I couldn’t ignore.

 

It should be about time.

 

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I realized it was time to meet with Inein.

 

* * *

“What are you looking at?”

 

“It feels strange being back after so long.”

 

Descending into the underground castle, Inein stood in front of an empty iron cage. This was where I first met them, but now, no one remained.

 

“The crown prince said he would see Princess off tomorrow.”

 

“Right.”

 

As Inein mentioned, the carriage leaving the duchy was scheduled to stop by the imperial palace before leaving the empire.

 

“Once we’re out of the empire, I’ll ditch the coachman and head to the magic circle you’ve prepared.”

 

Recounting the plan, Inein nodded in agreement.

 

“So, you just need to move the magic circle you’ve drawn here to the meadow beyond Wenis Hill.”

 

“Understood.”

 

I always felt that he had the perfect personality for being entrusted with tasks.

 

“How does Princess plan to ditch the coachman?”

 

“I’ll switch clothes with Daisy in the carriage and get off nearby, pretending to be a maid.”

 

There was a reason I used the Benega region as an excuse from the start. I planned to give Daisy the name Babarin, which I bought from the underground guild, and send her to her hometown in Benega. Since she was my close maid, staying here wouldn’t be good for her.

 

“Do you trust that maid?”

 

“Not really. But I trust money.”

 

People can betray, but money does not.

 

“Princess is very adept at this,” Inein muttered in a neutral tone, seemingly catching on that I’d secured loyalty with money.

 

Of course, it’s not like I’ve only been on the run for a day or two.

 

Afterward, Inein quietly drew the magic circle. A blue magic circle was drawn on the floor of the underground castle, which had been full of Normas’ footprints until not long ago.

 

“You’ve improved a lot.”

 

This person was someone who didn’t even know he was a wizard before…

 

“Didn’t Princess say I should just eat and learn this?”

 

Watching the magic circle, I nodded in agreement. Hmm, as expected. Bringing renowned scholars and retired magicians to teach in a Daechi-dong style had its benefits.

TL/N: Daechi-dong is a neighborhood in South Korea that is well-known for its concentration of prestigious private academies, high competition, and rigorous, exam-focused approach to education.

 

“As Princess ordered, I’ll move this magic circle to the meadow beyond Wenis Hill.”

 

“Good.”

 

He laid his hand over the intricate pattern and pushed it into the air. The blue light vanished instantly. The transported magic circle would settle in its designated location before dawn.

 

“Thanks, Inein. You’ve worked hard.”

 

“Will Princess contact me occasionally?”

 

“Of course.”

 

With no further questions from Inein, I had nothing more to say. A long silence followed.

 

“By the way, Inein.”

 

“Yes?”

 

Just then, something important popped into my mind.

 

“Do you remember the promise I made to give you a surname?”

 

“Ah…” Seemingly recalling, Inein nodded.

 

“I should keep that promise now.”

 

I would fulfill all promises before leaving to completely shake off any lingering discomfort.

 

“I’ll give you the surname ‘Devotio,’ meaning ‘magic.’”

 

Inein’s expression momentarily became complex, likely not expecting me to actually give him a surname.

 

“In the future, if you receive a title, you can use it as your surname. You’ll be the first head of Devotio.”

 

In fact, I was about to call him Nene, as I find his muscular body cute, but I decided to be generous.

 

“Anyway, if this gets to His Royal Highness, I’ll be dead…” But Inein’s gaze soon calmed. “Do I need a surname?” His voice was pure, sincerely questioning.

 

“Why would you die?”

 

Was he ready to face death to help me?

 

“That will never happen, so just accept it comfortably.”

 

That was a refusal on my part. I didn’t want to take on another burden of responsibility while seeking freedom.

 

“Whether I die or not, it doesn’t really matter.” Inein shook his head. “But if our relationship is built on ‘promises,’ as Princess said, that need to be kept.”

 

“…”

 

“With this, I’ve kept all my promises to Princess.”

 

I knew well that Inein wasn’t one to speak without meaning. And above all…

 

I had forgotten for a moment.

 

Despite his gentle nature, he was one of the four Norma who survived.

 

* * *

It was the day Siani headed to Benega.

 

“Your Royal Highness.”

 

It was about time for the carriage that left the duchy to stop by the crown prince’s palace.

 

“Will you not assign knights specifically for the trip to the Benega region?” Lisfeld, following Redian, asked. “If you command it now…”

 

“No need.” But Redian’s answer was firm.

Lisfeld seemed puzzled by Redian’s response. It was strange for Redian, who had always kept a close watch on Siani’s every move, even within the empire, to issue no commands for such a long journey.

 

“Master made a promise to me.”

 

It was an unusually sunny day.

 

“She never breaks her promises to me.”

 

Therefore, when Redian arrived at the imperial palace’s main gate, he slightly furrowed his brow. Until now, tracking Siani’s movements had been his unilateral action. Wanting to know who she met, where she went, and what she did was solely his desire. But this time was different.

 

“She promised to return, so she will.”

 

If it was a promise shared between them, the story changed. Siani would never, ever break her promises to him.

 

“Ah, tell the lord of Benega to take good care of my master well.”

 

“…”

 

“So she can return a bit sooner.”

 

Lisfeld, witnessing this, keenly felt it. That look didn’t suit Redian, who trusted no one and showed no mercy. It seemed he only believed in Siani Felicite and considered their promise as the sole truth. He seemed completely unaware that promises could be broken and shattered depending on a person’s heart. But if that truth ever broke…

 

“Master.”

 

“Rere.”

 

Suddenly, as the carriage stopped, Siani’s face appeared. As she tried to get off, Redian held her hand as if to prevent her.

 

“You’re wearing heels.”

 

He didn’t need a tiresome farewell. After all, she would come back. Instead, Redian’s gaze slowly scanned the interior of the carriage. A single maid with her head bowed, a very small bag, and uncomfortable heels. Her simple appearance indicated she would indeed return.

 

“You’re wearing gloves.”

 

However, if there was one difference, it was that Siani was wearing gloves. Since she rarely wore them except during events, Redian’s gaze lingered on her hands.

 

“The weather has gotten colder.”

 

Siani’s hand reached out quickly but naturally to Redian’s coat. “This winter will be colder.” Her hand buttoned it up for him with a very gentle touch. “You’re sensitive to the cold, so even if it’s uncomfortable, wear the pajamas the attendants prepare for you. Don’t just wear a robe to bed as usual.”

 

“Master will take care of it, won’t you?”

 

She would prepare his pajamas when winter came, just as she used to check his forehead and bring out thick blankets when he shivered from the cold in the underground castle.

 

“Also, only take the sedatives when your insomnia or nightmares are severe. You need to gradually reduce them until you stop completely.”

 

After his last rampage, Redian had resumed taking sedatives. No, to be precise, Siani believed Redian was back on sedatives.

 

“I don’t have nightmares when Master is beside me.”

 

In truth, he had long since stopped needing them.

 

“And Master will make sedatives for me whenever the symptoms worsen, so it’ll be fine.”

 

Everyone present could feel it. How blindly faithful Redian’s gaze was towards Siani. His blue eyes, which were never considered an ‘exception,’ were kind and gentle now, making it more chilling and eerie.

 

“…Alright.”

 

Siani, without saying much, touched Redian’s cheek. “Go inside, Redian. I’ll be going now.”

 

At her warmth, Redian smiled lightly. “No.” His gesture of firmly tying the knot on the coat she was wearing was resolute. “You must say you’ll return, Master.”

 

“…”

 

Finally, Redian kissed the back of her hand and stepped back first, allowing the carriage to depart.

 

“That’s our promise, isn’t it?”

 

So the carriage could depart, he believed it completely. As much as he had endured and been patient for Siani…

 

“Please return, Master.”

 

Siani would never break her promise to him.

 

And so, the carriage left. It was an unremarkable farewell. Because she would return anyway.

 

She must return.

 

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